If they don't go all the way, don't blame it on injuries, weary legs or referees

As the Blackhawks and Bulls begin the playoffs this week, heed one Chicago sports observer's Ten Commandments of the Postseason, not exactly handed down from on high as much as from the United Center's hockey press box.

1. Thou shalt not rationalize what defines a successful season if it ends prematurely.

To avoid classifying 2013-14 under disappointment for either team, the Blackhawks must at least win the West and the Bulls need to advance to the second round. As well as the short-handed Bulls closed the season, nothing short of taking the Pacers or Heat deep into a second-round series will count as satisfying. As for the healthy Hawks, they have too much talent, depth and experience to succumb to an early exit like they did the last time they entered the postseason as defending champs. A favorable first-round matchup against a reeling, offensively challenged Blues team should help build momentum too.

2. Thou shalt not overreact to any lopsided loss or series deficit.

The Bulls lost Game 1 last year to the Nets by 17 and rallied to win the series in seven games. The Hawks trailed the Red Wings 3-1 in the series and 2-1 entering the third period of Game 6 at Detroit and prevailed. Postseason momentum can swing as wildly as the moods in playoff cities. It takes discipline from fans and media to keep from getting too carried away positively or negatively.

3. Thou shalt not blame injury.

Bad health eventually hits everybody. Good teams compensate. The loss of Derrick Rose in Game 1 of the Bulls-76ers series in 2012 provided an exception. The rule is attrition will strike NBA and NHL teams in the postseason when quality depth usually determines championships.

4. Thou shalt not underestimate the value of chemistry or coaching.

In seven-game series, coaches prove their worth. No NBA coach has coaxed a team into playing together better than Tom Thibodeau. Meanwhile, the Hawks have a Hall of Fame coach whose impactful moves helped win two Stanley Cups in four years. Neither Thibodeau nor Joel Quenneville will face a coach who gets the edge in strategy or preparation.

5. Thou shalt not repeat the postgame cliches "sense of urgency" or "it is what it is.''

Every game, quarter and period carries urgency in the playoffs. If the Hawks or Bulls offer that term as an excuse, it represents code for unprepared. As for "it is what it is,'' it isn't a phrase that clarifies anything that went wrong.

6. Thou shalt not call for a goalie change.

It might come after a soft goal or a tough loss, but, alas, tradition says somebody will clamor to have Corey Crawford benched. Sorry, Antti Raanta will have the best seat in the house for the playoffs, but, barring injury, shouldn't play again until next season. No matter what happens, Crawford and his Cup history give the Hawks their best chance of surviving the toughest 16-victory stretch in pro sports.

7. Thou shalt not ask if Derrick Rose will return during the playoffs, no matter how long they last.

He will shoot before games and witnesses will wonder. But please stop. Regardless of how impressive Rose looks, the Bulls declared him out and would be doing a disservice to the players who meshed without the point guard to awkwardly introduce him back into the equation. Freely speculate about Carmelo Anthony coming to town this summer but not about Rose coming back during these playoffs.

8. Thou shalt not use weary legs and a long season as excuses for the Blackhawks nor heavy minutes as an alibi for the Bulls.

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane both enjoyed late-season rests thanks to injuries, and Quenneville rested some regulars too. The Hawks should be fresh. And for all the attention paid to Thibodeau playing starters too long, physical and mental stamina became a Bulls strength in the absence of Rose and Luol Deng. It can't suddenly be considered a weakness.

9. Thou shalt not question general managers Stan Bowman or Gar Forman for standing pat at their trade deadlines if things inexplicably unravel.

The Hawks had no reason to believe they didn't have a roster worthy of repeating as champions. (They do.) The Bulls faced payroll restrictions that prevented them from making a move that would have clogged a roster that needed to stay flexible for the pursuit of Anthony.

10. Thou shalt not hold referees responsible for close losses.

The loser's lament about officials almost never is valid. Officiating changes in the playoffs, and savvy teams adapt. If a key late call creates an uproar involving the outcome, chance are the team on the short end could have done more earlier. Never let officiating divert attention from things that affected the game more than any close call.